Padres Are Pursuing Nathan Eovaldi

The Boston Red Sox are World Series champions. But they’re not content to just leave it at that. They really want Nathan Eovaldi back. However, they’re not the only team pining for his services. The San Diego Padres also have interest in signing Eovaldi, sources telling Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

After adding Garrett Richards, the Padres remain interested in fellow Tommy John pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, sources say. Some things to consider: Eovaldi had the surgery twice, has returned better than ever, pitched deep into the postseason in his first year back from the second TJ.

Interest began back in November. And hopes are, obviously, to add the big arm alongside Garrett Richards. However, Richards underwent Tommy John surgery in July and could miss the entire 2019 campaign. But Dinelson Lamet is on track to be the team’s opening day starter after recovering from surgery.

If they sign Eovaldi, he would join a starting rotation defined by left-handed starters such as Clayton Richard, Joey Lucchesi and Robbie Erlin. But don’t expect the Red Sox to simply go away. According to The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham, they really want him back.

After talking to Dave Dombrowski and Alex Cora for a few minutes, biggest takeaway is they really, really, really want Nathan Eovaldi back.

There is a concern with Eovaldi going under the knife twice. That’s always a valid concern to hold. Still, he came back from surgery No. 2 better than ever. And he did go 6-7 in 22 regular-season games while posting a 3.81 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. In the postseason, he put together a masterful showing — allowing just four runs in 22 1/3 innings of work.